Pam Sheldon was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She had a boisterous and vibrant personality that left no one guessing what was on her mind as Pam rarely hid her true feelings on any topic or conversation. She was authentic, bold, and loved by everyone who knew her. Pam’s life was filled with wonderful travels, time spent with family and her commitment to her lifelong career, yet her grandchildren were the key to her heart. She loved being a mother, but when it came to spending time with Ashley, Elizabeth, Ryan, Kinsley, and precious, newborn Parker, she couldn’t get enough. Her warm and charming friendship, her steadfast way of making every family event fun and memorable, and her ability to always look on the bright side of life will be deeply missed by many. Taken too soon, Pam leaves behind a legacy of living life to the fullest.

The year 1957 saw the continued success of the automotive industry with larger cars with bigger more powerful engines. The Soviet Union launched the first space satellite Sputnik 1 causing for a boost in competition with America. Popular movies included, Twelve Angry Men and The Bridge Over the River Kwai, while televisions were airing the classics, from Perry Mason to I Love Lucy. The fifties era continued its climb of rock n’ roll artists like Little Richard, the Beatles, and the King himself, Elvis Presley. It seems only fitting that Pam’s story began during a time that was as colorful as she was. Amidst this exciting time, Forrest and Mary Jo (Greer) Allison were pleased to announce the arrival of their baby girl on December 10, 1957 in the beautiful Oxnard, California. Born to hardworking parents, her father was a cook and her mother was a waitress for their family owned restaurant, Allison’s Maid Rite. Joining her brother, Dewey and later followed by her younger sister, Karen, Pam’s birth brought her parents great joy and happiness.

Growing up in Oxnard, Pam loved to pitch in at the family restaurant as a young child. Mimicking her parents’ duties of anything from filling the condiments, to busing tables, to learning her hand at cooking, this lifestyle equipped her with the confidence of working with people. When she wasn’t at the restaurant learning the demands of being self employed, she loved to roller skate. Juggling a full course schedule at Channel Islands High School, she also managed working at Allison’s as well as entering a beauty pageant before graduating with the Class of 1976. Never missing a beat, after graduation she went to work for Abex Corporation. It was there, that she met the man of her dreams, and the love of her life, Gary. Before they even spoke, it was love at first sight as Pam began asking co-workers who this mystery man was at work. She wasn’t afraid to admit, that it was she who chased him! Dating for nearly two and a half years, the smitten couple joined in marriage on September 20, 1980 in Port Hueneme, California. Her long time childhood friend, Michelle was her maid of honor and they remained friends all these years. She and Gary lived in California until several years later their jobs called them both to the Midwest region and Portage, Michigan became home. Together, they raised three loving sons; Doug, Dustin and Chad. Parenting the boys as teens had its challenges. When Doug would get into trouble and test her patience, she’d want to paddle him, but deep down she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. Instead, she’d remind him sternly that his dad would be home soon and he would take care of him! Dustin loved to push her limits from time to time and Pam would chase him down! She was so very proud of each and every one of them and loved to share that Dustin went on to serve as a Tech Sergeant in the United States Air Force.

Pam lived a wonderful life of many special interests. She enjoyed playing blackjack at area casinos. Casinos seemed to fit her outgoing personality with lots of noise and excitement. It was no surprise growing up around restaurant owners, that she was an excellent cook! Her favorite dishes were chicken enchiladas and her famous meatloaf. She especially loved to host dinner parties and large family barbecues. When she wasn’t in the mood for cooking at home, everyone knew her favorite choice to eat out had to be Mexican! She loved very much to travel over the years. One such trip included a Kid Rock cruise, in which her eighty two year old mother at the time, won a contest on the ship called, “Miss Lucky Bitch!” It was certainly never a dull moment whenever Pam was around! A lover of warm ocean breezes, she frequented Florida and took cruises to the Caribbean. However, her ultimate destination was beautiful Cancun, Mexico. Having been there more than five times, she’d have called it home if she could’ve taken her grandkids with her! Pam was blessed when just this past February the entire family vacationed in Disney World! Described as loud, blunt, yet happy, Pam’s presence among her family and friends will be deeply missed. Her sarcasm and silliness as well as her serious side will leave lasting impressions on the hearts of generations to come.

Pam Sheldon, age 58, of Portage passed away on September 11, 2016 while on vacation in Texas. She earned her Associate's degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 2011 in General Education and worked for USPS for 17 years as a maintenance worker. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Thursday, September 22 from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Pam’s family includes her husband of 36 years, Gary; her sons; Douglas (Carol) Sheldon of Portage, MI, Dustin (Courtney) Sheldon of Glenwood, IA and Chad Sheldon of Wichita Falls, TX. She is also survived by her five beautiful grandchildren; Ashley Sheldon, Elizabeth Sheldon, Ryan Sheldon, Kinsley Sheldon and Parker Sheldon as well as her sister Karen (George) Haines and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dewey, and her canine companion, Wizard whom she adored and loved. Please visit Pam’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to the Gist Cancer Research Fund.